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DOC NYC launches with incredible Line-up: Maya Wave, Conspiracy, Cirque De Soleil

By Joe Wehinger — 3 years ago

DOC NYC launches with incredible Line-up: Maya and the Wave, Conspiracy, Cirque De Soleil

DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival — running in-person November 9 – 17 and continuing online through November 27 — announced the first four titles of its 13th edition, including the US Premiere of Maya and the Wave as its Opening Night Film.

 

DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival — runs in-person November 9 – 17

 

Opening Night Film Maya and the Wave, directed by Stephanie Johnes, the film will screen at SVA Theatre on Wednesday, November 9.

Three films making their World Premieres, all currently seeking U.S. distribution, were also announced for the festival’s Closing Night and Centerpiece Presentations.

Maya and the Wave, directed by Stephanie Johnes, profiles Brazilian athlete Maya Gabeira

Maya and the Wave, directed by Stephanie Johnes, profiles Brazilian athlete Maya Gabeira

DOC NYC’S Opening Night presentation,  as she overcomes a brush with death to make history in the male-dominated world of big wave surfing.

The screening will be followed by a conversation on stage with Johnes and Gabeira. Maya and the Wave is produced by Johnes and co-producer Jorge Leal, and has worldwide distribution rights available.

“We are elated to open DOC NYC with Stephanie Johnes’s inspiring testament to self-empowerment and boundary-breaking,

in a visually spectacular arena,”

DOC NYC Artistic Director Jaie Laplante.

This year’s in-person DOC NYC event will close with the World Premiere of The Conspiracy from Maxim Pozdorovkin (Our New President, Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer), an animated documentary that traces almost 250 years of insidious anti-Semitic ideology by following the fates of three Jewish family dynasties.

World Premiere of The Conspiracy from Maxim Pozdorovkin

World Premiere of The Conspiracy from Maxim Pozdorovkin

The film is produced by Allison Stern, Caroline Hirsch, Joe Bender, and Dan Cogan, and features voice-over artists Liev Schreiber, Jason Alexander, Lake Bell, Ben Shenkman, Mayim Bialik and many others.

 

features voice-over artists Liev Schreiber, Jason Alexander, Lake Bell, Ben Shenkman, Mayim Bialik and many others.

 

The Conspiracy will screen at SVA Theatre on Thursday, November 17. The screening will be followed by an on-stage Q&A with the filmmakers.

 

DOC NYC 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Barbara Kopple returns with her latest work

 

The first of the festival’s two Centerpiece presentations will be the World Premiere of two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker (and DOC NYC 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient) Barbara Kopple’s Gumbo Coalition.

 

Barbara Kopple’s Gumbo Coalition

Barbara Kopple’s Gumbo Coalition

The film follows two contemporary civil rights leaders, Marc Morial and Janet Murguía, as they work to empower African American and Latino American communities to achieve a more just and equitable country, while weathering the challenges of a global pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the 2020 presidential election.

Produced by Kopple, David Cassidy, Williams Cole and Ray Nowosielski, Gumbo Coalition will be presented on Saturday, November 12 at SVA Theatre.

The screening will be followed by an on-stage conversation with Kopple, Morial and Murguía and other members of the film team.

 

Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net plays Sunday, November 13

 

Also screening as a festival Centerpiece presentation is Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net, playing Sunday, November 13 at SVA Theatre.

Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net

Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net

Director Dawn Porter (John Lewis: Good Trouble and a 2016 DOC NYC Robert and Anne Drew Award for Documentary Excellence recipient) received unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the world’s greatest circus as it worked toward re-opening its flagship Las Vegas production “O” following more than a year of pandemic shutdown.

Porter captures the uncertainty that both performers and crew members face as they strive to return to their world-class standards in time for the (re)opening night curtain.

The film is produced by Porter, Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, Mark Burnett and Barry Poznick.

Performers from Cirque du Soleil will be on-hand and a Q&A with the filmmakers will take place after the screening.

The 2022 DOC NYC festival will take place both in person and online starting on Wednesday, November 9

 

The 2022 DOC NYC festival will take place both in person and online starting on Wednesday, November 9, with in-person screenings and events held at IFC Center, SVA Theatre and Cinepolis Chelsea through Thursday, November 17.

The festival’s online offerings will continue through Sunday, November 27.

The complete lineup of more than 110 documentary features and 100 short films will be announced in the second week of October.

An All Film Pass, offering access to DOC NYC’s full lineup of in-person and online screenings, can be purchased for $995 ($699 early bird discount available through October 12) at www.docnyc.net.

In addition to screenings, All Film Passholders get complimentary access to the NBC News Studio Lounge at Cinépolis Chelsea, including daily Breakfasts and Happy Hours. Individual screening tickets, including tickets for Opening Night, Closing Night and Centerpiece screenings, will go on sale when the festival’s full lineup is announced in mid-October.

An Online Film Pass, good for all the festival’s online screenings, will also be available in mid-October.

DOC NYC SPONSORS

 

The festival is made possible by: Leading Media Partners: New York Magazine; The WNET Group Major Sponsors: A&E IndieFilms; Netflix; NBC News Studios; Warner Bros. Discovery Supporting Sponsors: discovery+; National Geographic Documentary Films; SHOWTIME® Signature Sponsors: Amazon Studios; Bloomberg Philanthropies; Consulate General of Canada in New York; Frankfurt Kurnit; Hulu; NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment; National Geographic; Participant Signature Media Partners: The New Republic; WNYC Event Sponsors: Cinepolis; ESPN; Firelight Media; Fox Rothschild LLP; Impact Partners; JustFilms | Ford Foundation; MTV Documentary Films; Odyssey Impact®, Inc.; Reavis Page Jump LLP; SVA – MFA Social Documentary Film; Telefilm Canada; Wheelhouse Creative Friends of the Festival: Agile Ticketing; CineSend; DCTV; Essentia Water; Kickstarter PBC; Ptex; Shiftboard

DOC NYC is produced and presented by IFC Center, a division of AMC Networks. To inquire about sponsor or partnership opportunities for DOC NYC Executive Director Raphaela Neihausen at raphaela@docnyc.net.

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David Ortiz’s Dominican Ozama Rum
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Big Papi’s New York Debut: David Ortiz’s Dominican Ozama Rum Lands in Manhattan With Bold Flavor and Cultural Swagger

By Rocco Delfino — 4 days ago

Big Papi’s New York Debut: David Ortiz’s Dominican Ozama Rum Lands in Manhattan With Bold Flavor and Cultural Swagger

In a city that appreciates craftsmanship, culture, and a killer cocktail, there’s a new player on the scene ready to disrupt bar menus from Brooklyn rooftops to Central Park South. Hall-of-Fame legend David “Big Papi” Ortiz—yes, that David Ortiz—is officially entering the world of fine spirits with the launch of Ozama Rum, a 100% Dominican-made, ultra-premium rum that’s already turning heads in the five boroughs.

Far more than just a celebrity vanity label, Ozama Rum is a deeply personal project rooted in Ortiz’s Dominican heritage, shaped by tradition, and tailored for modern palates. Named after the Ozama River in Santo Domingo, the spirit is crafted from start to finish in the Dominican Republic, earning the prestigious Ron Dominicano designation that certifies its authenticity.

David Ortiz’s Dominican Ozama Rum

“To me, Ozama isn’t just about rum, it’s about identity, pride, and progress,” said Ortiz. “I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of. It’s always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can’t wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”

Ozama Rum: Where Craft Meets Culture in a Bottle

Available in three expressions, Ozama Rum brings a polished Dominican sensibility to Manhattan’s world-class cocktail scene—whether you’re sipping at Bemelmans, lounging at Soho House, or unwinding in a Brooklyn brownstone. Each expression is aged for at least a year in oak barrels and bottled on the island, delivering a terroir-driven taste of the Caribbean with unmistakable sophistication.

  • Ozama Blanco: Bright, citrus-forward, and kissed with white pepper, this platinum-hued rum is clean yet complex. Ideal for refreshing cocktails in Greenwich Village patios or summer spritzes on the rooftop at Le Bain.

  • Ozama Añejo: Smooth and refined, this copper-colored beauty delivers layers of vanilla, toffee, and a subtle note of chocolate—perfect for pairing with dessert at Eleven Madison Park or sipping solo in a Chelsea loft.

  • Ozama Gran Añejo: Rich and elegant, with aromas of honey, dates, candied fruits, and fine wood. This is a sipping rum made for slow conversations in the Upper East Side, where the bottle becomes the centerpiece.

Price points are as approachable as the flavor profiles—ranging from $25 to $40 for 700ml—making Ozama accessible luxury in every sense.

A New Spirit for a City of Tastemakers

New York is no stranger to premium spirits. But Ozama enters the market at a moment when consumer interest in rum is booming. According to Global View Research, the global rum market was valued at $11.77 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow 5.6% annually through 2030. That growth is driven by a shift toward artisanal, culturally rooted spirits—just the kind of origin story Manhattan drinkers crave.

And Ortiz isn’t just lending his name. The former MLB star partnered closely with a team of Dominican artisans and Abbott Wolfe, CEO of Drink2Success, to bring this vision to life.

“From day one, David had a clear vision to create an ultra-premium rum that feels authentic, vibrant, and undeniably Dominican—it was important to him to spotlight the Dominican Republic and at the same time give back to the community that raised him,” said Wolfe.

Giving Back, the Dominican Way

Ozama Rum’s purpose doesn’t stop at the bottle. Two percent of the brand’s profits will go toward cleaning up the Ozama River and supporting underserved communities along its banks. It’s a gesture that feels at home in a city that values global citizenship and local impact.

Where to Find Ozama in New York City

Available now online at drinkozama.com, Ozama is rolling out this summer at select retailers, bars, and restaurants across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Early interest from high-end mixologists in Tribeca, Williamsburg, and the Upper West Side suggests Ozama will quickly find a place among New York’s finest pours.

Whether it’s mixed into a refined mojito at Dante, poured neat at Maison Premiere, or offered as a pairing in the city’s growing number of Afro-Caribbean culinary spots, Ozama is a rum built for New York sophistication—with a heartbeat from the Dominican Republic.

Final Pour: The Big Apple Meets Big Papi

In a town where everything is fast, curated, and fueled by narrative, Ozama Rum offers something deeper—a bottle with a backstory, a cultural anchor, and the kind of authenticity that New Yorkers respect.

As Ortiz says, “They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”

And here in Manhattan, close to perfect is more than enough reason to raise your glass.

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Taraji P. Henson Brings Her Seven Daughters Moscato
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Taraji P. Henson Brings Her Seven Daughters Moscato for with Manhattan NYC Magic to the High Seas with Princess Cruises

By Katie Macken — 4 days ago

Taraji P. Henson Brings Her Moscato for with Manhattan NYC Magic to the High Seas with Princess Cruises

Broadway lights, Harlem hustle, and now—Taraji P. Henson’s Moscato on the open ocean.

The Emmy-nominated, Oscar-nodded powerhouse and entrepreneur has teamed up with Princess Cruises to bring her celebrated Seven Daughters Moscato to the brand’s exclusive Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection. And while Taraji’s roots are D.C. born, New Yorkers know she’s always brought a Manhattan-level boldness to everything she touches—whether it’s a red carpet or a wine glass.

“Seven Daughters is more than just a bottle of wine; it’s a celebration in a glass,” Henson shared. “Our Moscato is inviting, refreshing, and perfect for moments of connection which is what makes this partnership with Princess Cruises so amazing. Now we can experience this feeling with people from around the world, whether they’re toasting under the stars or relaxing on the open sea.”

That connection is something every New Yorker craves—especially when escaping the city’s breakneck pace for a well-earned recharge. With Princess Cruises offering sailings from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, it’s never been easier to trade the city skyline for an ocean horizon—glass of Henson’s Moscato in hand.

Featuring notes of tropical fruit and honeysuckle, Seven Daughters offers the kind of bright, celebratory flavor that fits perfectly between a jazz brunch in the West Village and a rooftop toast in Midtown. Now, thanks to Princess Cruises, it’s also a go-to at sea.

“Princess Cruises is committed to curating distinctive, high-quality experiences for our guests, and Seven Daughters aligns seamlessly with that vision,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises. “Taraji’s Moscato reflects a bold yet approachable style that we know our guests will love.”

Henson’s wine joins an all-star lineup of bottles in the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, which includes Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson’s Meili Vodka, Camila and Matthew McConaughey’s Pantalones Organic Tequila, Blake Lively’s Betty Booze and Betty Buzz, Liev Schreiber’s Sláinte Irish Whiskey, Jason Aldean’s Melarosa wines, Romero Britto’s Love Prosecco, and Kylie Minogue’s No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé.

But Henson’s addition feels especially New York in spirit—sophisticated, stylish, and full of character. For city dwellers looking to trade the subway for a stateroom, Seven Daughters is an invitation to unwind without leaving the energy behind.

As Strategic Advisor and Creative Collaborator, Henson has helped shape every aspect of the wine’s personality, much like she’s done with her most iconic roles. And just like New York, this Moscato is lively, expressive, and impossible to ignore.

Whether you’re a downtown art dealer, an Upper East Side socialite, or a Brooklyn creative looking to unplug, a Princess cruise with a glass of Taraji’s Moscato might be just the blend of luxury and leisure you didn’t know you needed.

So the next time you’re booking a departure from NYC, remember: this isn’t just another cruise. It’s a chance to sip something special—with a side of Taraji—and toast to life beyond the grid.

Find out more about the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection and upcoming sailings at www.princess.com.

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WWE and Seagram’s Escapes Spiked Boozy
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Manhattan Is the First Stop for WWE and Seagram’s Escapes Spiked Boozy, Slam-Worthy Drinks

By Rocco Delfino — 4 days ago

WWE and Seagrams Just Dropped Boozy, Slam-Worthy Drinks—And Manhattan Is the First Stop

NEW YORK, NY — In a city where everything moves faster, hits harder, and parties louder, WWE is making its boldest off-the-top-rope move yet—launching its first-ever ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage right here in the heart of Manhattan.

WWE and Seagram’s Escapes Spiked just announced a multi-year partnership that’s as wild as a Hell in a Cell match in Madison Square Garden. The result? A brand-new, wrestling-themed lineup of flavored malt beverages, designed for fans who live big and drink bold.

And New York, you’re first in line. From East Village rooftops to uptown bodegas, the Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series is already popping up across the five boroughs—just in time to raise a can and body slam the summer heat.

The Big Apple Meets the Big Elbow

This isn’t just a licensing deal. It’s a cultural collision between two icons—WWE, the global entertainment empire born in gritty arenas, and Seagram’s, a brand rooted in fun, flavor, and that “no apologies” energy New Yorkers know best.

“Seagram’s has a rich history of innovation and a deep commitment to authenticity, making it the ideal partner to go to market with our first-ever licensed ready-to-drink product,” said Grant Norris-Jones, EVP and Head of Global Partnerships at TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company. “And let’s be honest—there’s no better place to launch than NYC.”

Flavor That Hits Like a Superkick

The new Spiked series isn’t here to sip quietly—it’s here to stand on tables in the Meatpacking District and shout “Let’s get ready to rumble!” at rush hour. The three debut flavors bring serious personality:

  • Rumble Punch™ – A remix of the fan-favorite Jamaican Me Happy, this tropical knockout blends strawberry, watermelon, lemon, and guava. Perfect for rooftop hangs in SoHo or post-work drinks on the Hudson.

  • Pineapple Powerhouse™ – With bold pineapple, cherry, and lime, this can packs all the energy of a 2 a.m. dance floor in Hell’s Kitchen.

  • Slammin’ Blueberry™ – A clean one-two punch of blueberry and lemon, tailor-made for chill park days at Bryant Park or Union Square pre-games.

All three flavors are now stocked across Manhattan—from your corner deli on Lexington to upscale liquor boutiques in the West Village.

WWE Superstars Coming to a Bodega Near You?

This isn’t just about what’s in the can. As an Official Partner of WWE, Seagram’s Escapes Spiked will be front and center at major WWE events—Money in the Bank®, SummerSlam®, and Survivor Series®—and heavily featured in exclusive digital content starring your favorite Superstars.

But NYC gets something even better: in-person appearances from WWE Superstars at select retailers across the city. Think autograph signings, selfie ops, and unexpected encounters with wrestling royalty at your go-to wine shop in the East 60s or downtown bodega.

“Our collaboration with WWE marks an exciting moment for Seagram’s Spiked as we connect with WWE’s global—and very NYC-centric—fanbase,” said Jaime Polisoto, brand director for Seagram’s Escapes. “Our sales team is amped to bring Superstars directly into the city to meet fans where they live.”

From MSG to Madison Ave—This Is New York’s Drink of the Summer

If there was ever a city made for this kind of crossover, it’s NYC. From the gritty legacy of wrestling nights at Madison Square Garden to the rooftop bar culture that defines Manhattan summers, Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series is built for the urban fight fan, the flavor chaser, and anyone who wants to sip something loud while living larger.

So next time you’re grabbing a six-pack for a rooftop party in Williamsburg, pregaming before a Barclays event, or just need something cold to crush after a subway grind—grab a can and drink like a champion.

Because this summer in NYC, the most electrifying drinks in entertainment have officially entered the ring.

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About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com

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